The Essential and Metabolic Fatty Acids (EMFA) Bloodspot profile is a whole blood fatty acid assessment offered by Genova Diagnostics. It quantifies individual omega-3, omega-6, omega-9, saturated, monounsaturated, and trans fatty acids, and derives an estimate of delta-6-desaturase activity together with several cardiovascular risk ratios. (Genova Diagnostics n.d.)
The profile is offered as an add-on to Genova's nutritional evaluations, including Metabolomix+ and NutrEval, and can also be ordered on its own. Collection is by fingerstick onto a bloodspot card, which allows the sample to be taken at home. (Genova Diagnostics n.d.)
Fatty acid composition in circulating lipids reflects both dietary intake and endogenous metabolism, and fingertip whole blood has been shown to reflect dietary and lifestyle influences on fatty acid status. (Marangoni 2007)
Providers may consider this profile when evaluating inflammatory balance, cardiovascular risk beyond a standard lipid panel, dietary fat adequacy, or the response to omega-3 supplementation.
Fatty acid values shift with recent diet, supplementation, and metabolic factors, and Genova notes that this test has not been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Results should always be interpreted within the full clinical context rather than treated as stand-alone findings.
Quick Facts
- Laboratory: Genova Diagnostics
- Test code: 3540
- Specimen: Whole blood, dried bloodspot
- Technology / methodology: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)
- Turnaround time: Reported with the associated nutritional profile when ordered as an add-on
- Collection method: At-home fingerstick onto a bloodspot collection card, following an overnight fast
- Ordering availability: Available as an add-on to Genova nutritional profiles including Metabolomix+ and NutrEval, ordered by a licensed healthcare provider. (Genova Diagnostics n.d.)
Results are reported as weight percent of total fatty acids. The Essential Fatty Acid reference ranges are based on an adult population.
